Laminate Sample #35: Vacuum Bagged E-glass / Epoxy with Plastic Honeycomb Core

[@ubacow7109]

Do you have a video on the different properties of diff honeycomb core materials like aluminum, nomex, polyprop, etc...

[@ExploreComposites]

No videos, but some general core data here: explorecomposites.com/articles/design-for-composites/basics-cored-structures/

[@ubacow7109]

Thanks! @@ExploreComposites

[@slimanus8m]

Thanks for the video!

[@shyamjha1415]

i need to produce perforated honeycomb panel pls suggest and make it on this video, how to make it?

[@GrantOakes]

I use the same technique of laying out my laminate schedule in reverse, makes the layup go so much easier. One question however, I thought that epoxy doesn't bond well to polypropylene.

[@ExploreComposites]

You're totally right Grant! I missed communicating the detail that the scrim is a polyester non-woven that is itself somehow bonded to the polypropylene. The resin doesn't stick well to the cell walls themselves and I was able to easily pop off the chunks that had pooled in the cells where I cut through the panel.

[@GrantOakes]

@@ExploreComposites But wouldn't the 6oz glass peel off of the poly skin on the sandwich panel? It doesn't look like it was just honeycomb you bonded to, it was a poly sandwich you reinforced with glass.

[@ExploreComposites]

@@GrantOakes The honeycomb has a polyester scrim bonded to it so it feels a bit like a layer of strong plastic paper towel over the open cells. Epoxy seems to bond very well to this - I should have included a destructive test but forgot. I did break some and it is surprisingly tough.

[@qcnck2776]

At first I thought it would be a good core material for boats, but the cells filling up with resin makes one wonder. Is it due to porosity of the scrim?

[@ExploreComposites]

Yes. I was pushing my luck with the vacuum bag here. I think the normal use would be with less vacuum or just open molding. Resin in the cells isn't terrible - just a bit heavier than would be ideal. There's no structural issue.

[@ExploreComposites]

It is very common in boats - especially decks and flat parts.

[@qcnck2776]

@@ExploreComposites Thanks, that makes sense. I was thinking in aircraft mode, where hollow cells = much weight savings.

[@JasonKuehn]

I've used a ton of plascore with open mold less hand layup (hovercraft/boat hulls). Incredibly strong for weight and very economical to use. The cells do not fill with resin at all, it just stays on the scrim, so I'm sure the vacuum was the reason it soaked in.

[@EdsPlace]

@@JasonKuehn I'm planning a truck camper. Do you think it would be beneficial to vacuum infuse panels and then join panels with hand layup or best to just build structure then hand layup whole thing?

[@tvepaddler]

Where do you source that core material?

[@ExploreComposites]

This CarbonCore came from LBI Fiberglass in CT, USA. CarbonCore sells direct. See also Plascore.

[@altruistvijay2804]

I need to produce Chopped Strand Mat Glass Fiber (Filler) + Epoxy Resin (Matrix) composites through Vacuum Bagging technique. Could You suggest me any online resources for the same or drop me your mail id ..

[@ExploreComposites]

I'm not sure I understand the materials and the question but there's a link to email on the explore composites.com site. Chopped strand mat and epoxy can be an issue because of the styrene soluble binders that most chopped strand comes with - you can get it compatible though if you need to.